LW5120 - Introduction to Business Law

You will learn through large group sessions, seminars, directed learning and independent learning. The large group sessions, which will be primarily lecture based but will include student interaction, will address the main topics and - together with your independent reading - should prepare you for the seminars. The seminars will allow you to test and consolidate your knowledge of the main topics and to explore them in greater depth. 

 

Directed learning will mainly consist of reading articles and textbook extracts which will be made available either directly via the eLP site and/or via the electronic reading list.  There will also be opportunities to engage with your tutor and fellow students in seminars. 

Independent learning will centre on you identifying and engaging in further reading and research to consolidate your knowledge and understanding of business law.

The University supports you in learning and research with an excellent library and teaching facilities, access to on-line legal databases and resources and appropriate software.



This module is designed and will be managed by the Module Tutors who will be responsible for guiding you in your engagement and learning. Relevant materials and instructions will be accessible through the module eLP site, maintained by the Module Tutors.



Extensive use is made of the eLP to facilitate discussions between you and the Module Tutors, to provide materials, make announcements and to highlight recent developments and relevant research materials.



You may communicate with the Module Tutors and you are encouraged to make contact if you encounter any difficulties.



Academic support is available through formative feedback from tutors and on summative assignments.



At programme level you will be supported by the Programme Leader who will provide pastoral support throughout the module and the programme.



The Programme Administration and Student Liaison teams are responsible for the non-academic administration of the module. They will contact you throughout the duration of your module with details about the assignment and other issues.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding: You will be expected to know and understand:



the key legal differences in the formation, operation and taxation of different types of business organisation, in particular partnerships, LLPs and public and private companies limited by shares.



the meaning of personal and corporate insolvency and its effects on relevant stakeholders.



basic business accounts, i.e. the meaning of a simple profit and loss account and balance sheet.



Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:



You will be expected to be able to apply a range of source material, particularly legislation, to address legal problems.



Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):



You will be expected to acquire an awareness of the principles, values and ethics of law and legal practice, to develop your intellectual independence and to develop your independent thinking skills.

The final assessment will be an exam (that may be online) comprising multiple choice questions. It will primarily address the Knowledge and Understanding and IPSA MLOs.



There will be a formative mock MCQ assessment on which feedback will be provided. You will receive formative feedback during scheduled teaching sessions from your tutor and peers.

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If you are planning to work in a commercial environment or if you want to understand the role that business plays in wider society, you will find it very helpful to know and understand the basic legal rules and principles that apply to the different types of business organisation.



This broad-based module will introduce you to the key differences between sole traders, partnerships, LLPs and limited companies and the key legal rules that affect them. You will look at the rules and regulations that affect businesses of all sizes from ‘the one man-band' to multi-national corporations, with a particular focus on how companies operate. You will also learn about personal and corporate insolvency and gain an understanding of the key principles of Business Tax and Accounts.



Throughout the module you will look at topical news items that relate to business law and its social and economic impact.